You guys. I officially have a thing for coconut. I even bought and cracked open a fresh coconut all by myself. My husband was impressed (and maybe a little shocked) when he found out. He also laughed when I admitted that I cracked open a coconut for a photo of a recipe that doesn’t even require cracking open a coconut. You should all crack open a coconut once, just so you can feel strong and independent and self-sufficient *flex muscles here* … then just go buy the unsweetened shredded coconut at the store. I buy mine in the bulk bins at my local Smith’s. That requires strength and independence too, right?
Anyway, this recipe for Coconut-Lime Crack Bars in an old one that I have made a million times since I posted it in February. I usually have all the ingredients in my pantry and it is perfect for those “need a treat, but don’t want to eat junk” moments. I use essentially this same filling in my Homemade Almond Joy Bites and I even have 2 more variations on this recipe coming your way soon! You’re going to love them!
Now, onto the original post and recipe…
I was searching for some yummy Paleo dessert recipes, when I found these {Coconut Crack Bars}. They are super delicious plain, but I love them even more with the addition of a little lime essential oil. The coconut-lime flavor combo is to die for!
- 1 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon + ½ teaspoon unrefined coconut oil
- 4-5 drops lime essential oil
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- Mix together melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and essential oil.
- Combine with coconut and salt in a stand mixer or food processor and mix well.
- Dump into any small container and pat down.
- Refrigerate for an hour before cutting into 8 bars (or, if you are too impatient like me...freeze for 15 minutes).
- Store tightly covered in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
113 calories, 1g fiber, 9g fat, 1g protein, 9g carbs
*Nutrition info may vary based on the specific brands you use. Recipe on MyFitnessPal as FG8 Coconut-Lime Crack Bars.
I made these tonight and they are SERIOUSLY delicious! On a few I put a dab of melted dark chocolate and placed an almond on top. They were perfect! You have got to try – so easy and so delicious!
I’m so glad you liked them! Great minds think alike, I use the same coconut base to make homemade almond joy bites – http://blog.feelgreatin8.com/?p=32 🙂
I made these last week and loved them! I didn’t have Lime oil but used Lemon oil and they were great. I used an 8×8 casserole dish and would recommend something smaller so that the bars aren’t too thin and crumble. Thanks for the fantastic recipes, Tiffany.
So glad you liked them Jessica! Thanks for the sharing that great tip! 🙂
These look amazing. I am wondering if I could substitute honey for the maple syrup?
I think honey would work just fine. If you give it a try, definitely let us know how it goes!
Does it need to be stored in the fridge or could they be left out for several hours?
Elle, it should be fine if left out for just a little while. They shouldn’t go bad, but the coconut oil will soften and change the texture of the bars the longer they are are out. 🙂
I love your site! I feel it gives so much hope to those of us trying to improve. I do think however, that this title of this recipe is very misleading for those of us trying to cut out sugar… 1/4 cup of maple syrup (while debatably better than refined sugar) still contains 56 grams of sugar! Yikes! Maybe it should be labeled no refined sugar or something?
Ashley, Thanks so much for giving your feedback in such a kind way! I have been more careful to label my dessert recipes refined sugar free, just hadn’t had a chance to go back and fix the old ones, like this recipe. They are updated now. Thanks again!
I don’t have lime oil, can I use fresh lime juice?
Hey Heather! Unfortunately lime juice messes with the texture, so I don’t recommend it. Email me if you need help finding lime oil. 🙂
These look so great! I love coconut and lime!
Thanks Amber! Me too!!